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Lambert hails buoyant Villa

Aston Villa boss Paul Lambert was full of praise for his team after their 4-1 Capital One Cup victory over Norwich at Carrow Road.

Lambert's return to his former club proved to be a memorable occasion for the Scotsman as goals from Brett Holman and Christian Benteke either side of Andreas Weimann's brace helped Villa ease into the semi-finals.

"I thought we were excellent for the whole game," Lambert said. "We have been playing like that since the Sunderland game, but I am delighted, I really am."

Villa now have a two-legged semi-final tie to look forward to after the turn of the year, but Lambert is not taking a place at Wembley for granted.

"I have never been to Wembley, although I have been to watch a game," he added. "But it's not anything I have thought about - we have still got a couple of games to go.

"However, it gives the club something to look forward. The fans deserve a pick up as well. Whatever happens, Villa Park will be jam-packed.

"I will be more pleased with the pleasure the players get from it because I don't play the game any more."